OBSERVATIONS.
IT is an old saying,* 1.1 avouched by Plu∣tarch, Fortuna id unum hominibus non aufert, quod bene fuerit consultum, What a man hath once well advised, that and onely that fortune can never despoile him of: which Tiberius the Roman Emperour well understood; of whom Suetonius re∣porteth, Quod minimum fortunae, casi∣busque permittebat, That he trusted very lit∣tle to fortune or casualties: and is the same which Caesar counselleth in this place, Ne minimo quidem casui locum relinqui debuisse, That no place is to be given to the least casu∣alty. It were a hard condition to expose a na∣ked party to the malice of an enemy, or to dis∣advantage him with the loss of his sight. An army without a guard at any time is merely na∣ked, and more subject to slaughter, then those that never took arms: and the rather where the watch is wanting, for there sudden chances can hardly be prevented: and if they happen to avoid any such unexpected casualtie, they have greater cause to thank Fortune for her favour, then to be angry with her for her malice; for prevention at such times is out of the way, and they are wholly at her mercy; as Caesar hath rightly delivered touching this accident. And therefore, whether an army march forward or continue in a place, sleep or wake, play or work, go in hazard, or rest secure, let not so great a body be at any time without a competent strength, to answer the spite of such misadven∣tures.